The Graham government offered the Miramichi-based company three loan guarantees worth $50 million, despite civil servants recommending against the bailout and Atcon subsequently went bankrupt. Graham's father was a director with a Swedish subsidiary of Atcon.

Bourque ran unsuccessfully for the Tories in Rogersville-Kouchibouguac in the 2010 election, garnering 42 per cent of the vote share, compared to Liberal candidate Bertrand LeBlanc's 46 per cent share.

Bourque also served as an assistant to former cabinet minister Rose-May Poirier during the Lord government.